The journey to Travis Hunter's first NFL interception
Former Colorado Buffalo and Heisman winner, Travis Hunter, snagged his first NFL interception in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 3 victory against former AFC champion New England Patriots.
Hunter picked off New England quarterback Drake Maye on a third-and-goal from the Jaguars’ two-yard line, halting a pivotal possession for the Patriots. It was the type of momentum play that Hunter, a dual-threat cornerback and wide receiver, was known for in college.
Hunter, in his collegiate career at both the University of Colorado and Jackson State, recorded nine total interceptions and one forced fumble.He also took home some serious hardware in his final season with the Buffs, winning the Chuck Benarik award for the best defensive player in college football, and of course, the Heisman Trophy.
In Hunter's final season at Colorado, he recorded 96 receptions, 15 touchdowns and over 1,200 receiving yards while also playing almost every defensive snap. On that side of the field he racked up four interceptions, 11 pass deflections, one forced fumble and 36 total tackles. The most recent player to play both facets of the game at such an elite level was 1997 Heisman-winning Michigan cornerback, Charles Woodson.
Despite all those accolades, it was unclear whether Hunter would be able to play on both sides of the ball in the NFL, with debates over whether he should choose one position. The Jaguars have played him on both sides however, although his primary focus is defense. He hasn’t had much opportunity to showcase his abilities at the professional level though, as his rookie season came to a premature end.
Hunter suffered a torn LCL in his right knee during a practice in October of 2025 and had to undergo season-ending surgery. After a long wait, Hunter is healthy and ready to make the same kind of energizing plays he was known for in Boulder. In a move reminiscent of his Colorado days, he did a signature Travis Hunter shimmy in the back of the endzone after collecting a meatball sub from the Patriots quarterback.
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